EU Cracks Down On Apple For Tech Rules Violation, How It Impacts Crypto?

As an experienced analyst, I believe that the European Union’s (EU) decision to investigate Apple for violating the Digital Markets Act (DMA) is a significant step towards promoting fair competition and preventing abuse of dominant market positions by tech giants. The EU’s regulatory body, the European Commission, has found that Apple’s App Store policies restrict app developers from guiding customers to alternative purchasing options, which goes against the DMA’s provisions against “anti-steering” practices.


The European Commission, which serves as the regulatory body of the European Union (EU), declared on Monday that Apple has breached the freshly enacted Digital Markets Act (DMA). This groundbreaking legislation seeks to minimize the clout of leading tech companies. Preliminary investigations by the Commission reveal that Apple’s App Store guidelines prevent app creators from guiding users towards alternative purchasing avenues.

European Union’s Crackdown On Apple

The DMA (Digital Markets Act), designed to protect consumers from Big Tech’s market dominance, prohibits certain practices known as “anti-steering.” These regulations prevent tech giants from obstructing businesses from notifying users about more affordable alternatives or subscriptions outside their app stores.

The European Commission additionally expressed concern over Apple’s limitations, which hinder developers from directly guiding users towards other platforms for deals and content via their preferred distribution methods. In simpler terms, the Commission objected to Apple’s App Store guidelines that obstruct developers from freely directing customers to external channels.

As a analyst, I’ve observed that Apple currently enables developers to share links to external sites for customers to buy content. Nevertheless, these links come with certain limitations that impede straightforward communication and marketing.

Upon closer examination, it was discovered that Apple’s charges for bringing on new customers via the App Store surpassed the amount deemed essential by regulatory authorities. The Commission did not explicitly define what qualifies as an essential fee, but Apple could be subject to penalties worth up to 10% of its entire annual worldwide revenue if found in violation of the Digital Markets Act.

Apple has previously encountered regulatory hurdles in the EU. In early 2021, the company was penalized €1.8 billion ($1.93 billion) for engaging in anticompetitive behaviors within the music streaming sector. The European Commission continues to keep a close eye on Apple’s more recent modifications to its App Store regulations, including allowing downloads from external sources and third-party marketplaces, expressing caution about these new practices.

As a crypto investor, I’m keeping an eye on the ongoing examination by the regulatory commission regarding Apple’s charging of a fee of €0.50 ($0.54) per app installed outside its App Store. This fee is under scrutiny to ensure it aligns with DMA regulations. In simpler terms, Apple is being investigated for this fee and we’re waiting to find out if it passes regulatory muster.

The Commission is examining Apple’s methods for installing competing app stores or individual apps, in light of the EU regulations. Furthermore, the qualifications required for providing alternative app markets or direct app installation on iPhones are being scrutinized.

State Of Crypto Regulation EU Cracks Down On Apple For Tech Rules Violation, How It Impacts Crypto?In EU

At the same time, the European Union is strengthening rules for the cryptocurrency sector. Italy is taking steps to closely scrutinize risks related to crypto assets. Based on a draft decree obtained by Reuters, the Italian government is planning to pass regulations featuring significant penalties. These fines will range from €5,000 ($5,400) to an impressive €5 million ($5.4 million).

As an analyst, I would rephrase it as follows: I will impose fines for insider trading, unlawful disclosure of inside information, or market manipulation. With MiCA’s implementation approaching in the EU, countries are establishing their National Competent Authorities (NCA) to regulate the crypto sector. Italy’s aggressive approach is a testament to the EU’s dedication to stringent supervision in both technology and finance industries.

These regulatory advancements in technology and cryptocurrency indicate the EU’s commitment to rigorously enforcing rules. The DMA’s targeting of Apple underscores the bloc’s determination to curb the influence of dominant companies and foster a level playing field. Likewise, MiCA’s robust measures against manipulation and insider trading in crypto demonstrate a zero-tolerance stance from the EU.

In the realm of cryptocurrencies, these regulatory actions foreshadow a more rigorous inspection and stringent adherence to rules. Companies active in the technology and crypto sectors might have to reconsider their approaches in order to adapt to the EU’s developing regulatory framework for digital assets.

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2024-06-24 13:18